Gluten-Free Beer, Wine, and Spirits: What’s Safe to Drink?

28 August 2025

If you're following a gluten-free lifestyle, you’ve probably worried about whether your favorite alcoholic drinks are safe to consume. While some beverages are naturally gluten-free, others can be a bit sneaky, hiding gluten where you least expect it. So, what’s the deal? Can you enjoy a cold beer, a glass of wine, or a cocktail without breaking your gluten-free commitment?

Let’s break it down and clear up the confusion around gluten-free beer, wine, and spirits.

What Exactly Is Gluten?

Before we dive into drinks, let’s get a quick refresher on gluten. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and their derivatives. For people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, consuming gluten can trigger a range of unpleasant symptoms, from digestive issues to severe autoimmune reactions.

When it comes to alcohol, the main concern is whether the drink was made using gluten-containing grains or whether gluten is introduced during processing.

Gluten-Free Beer: Your Best Options

Is Regular Beer Gluten-Free?

Unfortunately, traditional beer is made from barley, which contains gluten. Even though the brewing process reduces gluten levels, it’s usually not safe for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.

But don’t worry—you don’t have to give up beer entirely! The market for gluten-free beer has grown tremendously, with plenty of safe alternatives.

Types of Gluten-Free Beer

1. Naturally Gluten-Free Beer – These beers are brewed from gluten-free grains like sorghum, rice, millet, or buckwheat. Since they never contain gluten, they’re the safest option.
2. Gluten-Removed Beer – Some beers undergo a special process to remove gluten after brewing. However, they’re not always safe for people with celiac disease since traces of gluten might remain.

What to Look for in Gluten-Free Beer

- Certified Gluten-Free Label – If you have celiac disease, stick with beers that are explicitly labeled "gluten-free."
- Gluten-Free Grains – Opt for beers made from sorghum, millet, or rice for a truly safe option.
- Watch Out for Hidden Gluten – Some beers claim to be "gluten-reduced," but they may still contain small amounts of gluten. Always double-check!

Popular Gluten-Free Beer Brands

- Omission (Gluten-Removed, Not Certified GF)
- Glutenberg (100% Gluten-Free)
- New Grist by Lakefront Brewery
- Redbridge by Anheuser-Busch

Is Wine Gluten-Free?

The Good News About Wine

Wine lovers, rejoice! Almost all wines are naturally gluten-free. Wine is made from fermented grapes, which don’t contain gluten. Unlike beer, no barley or wheat goes into the winemaking process.

When Might Wine Contain Gluten?

Although wine itself is gluten-free, cross-contamination can happen in a few rare cases:

- Aging in Oak Barrels Sealed with Wheat Paste – Some wineries use wheat paste to seal barrels, but studies show that the amount of gluten that could transfer to the wine is minimal.
- Flavored or Dessert Wines – Some flavored wines or wine cocktails might contain additives that include gluten. Always check labels if you’re unsure.

Safe Wine Choices

For the most part, you’re safe sticking with traditional red, white, or rosé wines. Just be cautious with flavored wines, some wine coolers, and pre-mixed wine cocktails.

Gluten-Free Spirits: Are They Safe?

Distilled Spirits: Gluten-Free or Not?

Here’s the interesting part—many distilled spirits are technically gluten-free, even if they’re made from gluten-containing grains. That’s because the distillation process removes gluten proteins. However, some people with gluten sensitivity still react to these spirits, so take note of how your body responds.

Gluten-Free Spirits (Safe to Drink)

If you want to play it 100% safe, choose spirits made from naturally gluten-free ingredients. Here’s a list of fully gluten-free spirits:

- Tequila – Made from agave, tequila is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure you’re drinking pure tequila (100% agave) to avoid additives.
- Rum – Distilled from sugarcane, rum is safe as long as it’s not flavored or spiced with gluten-containing additives.
- Vodka – Vodka made from potatoes, corn, or grapes (rather than wheat or rye) is completely gluten-free.
- Gin – Traditional gin is distilled from grains, but some brands offer gluten-free options made from botanicals.
- Whiskey & Bourbon – This is where it gets tricky. Even though whiskey is distilled, it’s made from gluten-containing grains. Some people with gluten sensitivity can tolerate it, while others can't. If you’re unsure, it’s best to avoid it.

Alcoholic Drinks to Watch Out For

There are some drinks that might surprise you with hidden gluten:

- Flavored Spirits & Liqueurs – Some flavored vodkas, rums, and whiskeys may contain gluten-based additives.
- Pre-Mixed Cocktails – Many canned or bottled cocktails use malt or other gluten-containing ingredients.
- Beer-Based Cocktails – Drinks like micheladas (which contain beer) aren’t safe unless made with gluten-free beer.

How to Drink Gluten-Free Safely

If you're out at a bar or dining at a restaurant, here are some tips for ensuring your drink is truly gluten-free:

- Stick to Simple, Unflavored Spirits – The more basic the drink, the safer it is. Stick to plain tequila, vodka, or rum if you’re unsure.
- Double-Check Cocktails – Always ask the bartender about ingredients. Some mixers and garnishes may contain gluten.
- Avoid Shared Drink Dispensers – Some bars serve mixed drinks from pre-made dispensers, which might introduce cross-contamination.
- Read Labels – If you’re buying alcohol from a store, always check for a gluten-free certification on the label.

Final Thoughts

Going gluten-free doesn’t mean you have to give up your favorite drinks. While beer can be tricky, there are plenty of gluten-free beers to choose from. Wine is generally safe, but watch out for possible contamination in flavored varieties. Spirits, especially those made from naturally gluten-free ingredients, are typically safe, but always double-check labels if you're unsure.

At the end of the day, the key to drinking gluten-free is awareness. Armed with the right knowledge, you can confidently enjoy a glass of wine, a cold beer, or a cocktail without worrying about gluten sneaking into your drink. Cheers to that!